Archbishop Romero and Spiritual Leadership in the Modern World - Tapa dura

Each theological reflection in this volume widens the scope of Romero's significance in life and death without losing sight of the singularity of what he offered. This collection is without parallel in Romero studies and essential reading for the countless followers of (soon to be) Blessed Oscar. -- Peter Casarella, University of Notre Dame This book is a wonderful testimony to episcopal authority at its best. Romero was a committed priest who took on the people's suffering as his own. He confronted injustice and indifference with the disruptive power of truth and love. Even if they killed him they could not destroy him for he is alive in his people. -- Fr. Virgilio Elizondo, University of Notre Dame The collected papers from the most recent Notre Dame conference to honor the memory of the witness of the late Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, here assembled in book form, culminate and celebrate the richness of many years of the previous conferences convened and organized by Holy Cross priest and professor, Robert Pelton. These texts help us to recover the historical memory of Romero's martyrdom and the martyrdom of thousands of other Latin Americans who in recent years provide us with a new lens into an understanding of the meaning and consequences of a `martyrdom of solidarity' with the poor. Each of the selections document well the synthesis that Romero achieved between orthopraxis and orthodoxy in his words and actions during the turbulent era of the Central American conflicts of the 1970s and 1980s. In the words of one of these witnesses, Ignacio Ellacuria, `God has passed through El Salvador.' Moreover, the book illustrates and underscores the importance of the recent announcement of the forthcoming beatification of Oscar Romero already canonized by the Salvadoran people and millions worldwide who find strength and inspiration in San Romero de America's living legacy. This is a legacy given powerful new relevance in the words and gestures of Pope Francis urging a new generation of `missionary disciples' to exercise their prophetic ministry to the territorial and existential peripheries. -- Stephen P. Judd, Director, Centro Misionero Maryknoll en America Latina, Cochabamba, Bolivia

Archbishop Romero and Spiritual Leadership in the Modern World presents a contemporary and integrated understanding of one of the most remarkable pastoral leaders of our time. This bishop, Oscar Romero of El Salvador, experienced deeply the overwhelming sufferings of the Salvadoran people, as well as those within himself. He cried out in vain to Presidents Carter and Reagan, no more arms to El Salvador, but his pleas were not heard at that time. Knowing that he would soon be murdered, Romero promised that he would rise again in the Salvadoran people. This book illustrates how this is happening and conclusively demonstrates that by respecting transparency and with dogged perseverance, a nonviolent public leader can become an influential leader, even in times of the most savage repression and marginalization. Archbishop Romero accomplished precisely that through determination, courage, and honing his public skills, while simultaneously conducting himself in deeply spiritual ways."